I've had cracks on my fingers for a few days now from cold, dry weather & not using gloves while house-cleaning, sometimes with cleaning agents. Yesterday, one of my fingers swelled-up on its top third portion, turned red on most of that part, & was the most sore in a spot that has a tiny bruised-looking area. It's somewhat sore in the crack/hangnail area which has healed over. There have been no red streaks anywhere, nor on the swollen area or beyond the top third red area. Today, it looks a lesser red color, & is no more sore. I feel my body is healthy, & will heal the swelling, redness, & soreness. My plans are, if it improves, or doesn't get worse, I don't plan to see a doctor. What is your opinion?

I had something similar last year. My hands became so dry that they looked purple. I don't really think its something that you'd need to see a doctor for. Its common for people to get dry/chapped hands in the cold weather. Just go to your local pharmacy or grocery store and buy some lotion. Apply it after you wash your hands, when you come in from the cold, and before bed every night. You'll probably see the swelling go down.